“My No. 1 recommendation to planners is to avoid over programming.”
Learn more thoughts from these meeting professionals and their colleagues from around the world in our “State of the Industry” report in the May issue of The Meeting Professional magazine.
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“Planners are taking all necessary measures in order to preserve the health and safety of those attending their events, including the introduction of specific filtering measures at entry points, sanitary checks, public awareness-raising initiatives, the provision of protective equipment and the implementation of onsite medical services. Attendees can find out about general information and recommendations at the various entry points and at the event’s information desks to reassure them. Event catering will offer more vegetarian and vegan options than meat options, in respect for the animal world, the environment and everyone’s health. As for beverages, changes are implemented regarding alcohol, which is increasingly shunned in favor of non-alcoholic cocktails. Caterers will stock up on quality, local and seasonal food products, fight and limit waste and create original and healthy menus.” Gérard Réus, CED, DES, SEPC |
“At our events we offer a mindful meditation session to start the day. We incorporate meeting and event setups that encourage connection and collaboration and we work with our hotel partners to provide food and beverage offerings that are healthy and appealing, catering to our attendees’ various dietary needs. We also recently hosted an event on wellbeing where the conversation was about the science of wellness around light, air, water and sleep. Personally, I use a meditation app that I love, and I have a great fitness app that helps guide me through workouts in my hotel room when I’m on the road. I’m a foodie; I like to eat healthy, and I like to experience food that reflects a destination’s history and culture, so I eat without self-judgment and just walk a few more steps! It’s all about balance.” Elaine Morena |
“If you’re not incorporating health and wellness at your meeting or event, you’re not paying attention! I’ve done yoga for more than half my life and have been meditating for the past several years, so the infusion of wellness at events is incredibly important to me, and attendees rightfully have grown to expect it. However, you don’t need to hire a yoga instructor in order to give your meeting attendees a sense of balance. My No. 1 recommendation to planners is to avoid over programming. We all know how exhausting meetings can be. By simply giving attendees a longer lunch break (I recommend 90 minutes) or more time to spend at their leisure between the end of your daily educational programming and any scheduled evening events, your participants will be able to bring their best selves to your event.” Jim Clapes |
MPI Coronavirus Dialogue Series: Pivoting from Paralyzed to Productive; Taking Control of Your Narrative and Rewriting Your Reality
